I have a handful of sessions from this summer that are patiently waiting for me to blog them. Their stories are all unique, yet intertwined by the same threads - love and persistence and commitment.

I have spent the last few months with a new fire in my belly, a new song to sing, a new story to write. I’ve photographed families in the Coastal Bend (Rockport, Port Aransas, Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Portland) in their homes and out by the water. I’ve listened to the stories of recovering homes as we approached the one year anniversary of Harvey, and all the life that has happened in between. Babies being born, first days of school, marriages flourishing as two amazing people draw closer together despite the world telling them it’s easier to just drift further apart.

The stress of life is real. We see it on our phones and tvs everyday. Our community has it’s own stresses, as does yours, but I’m here to tell you of our successes. Our triumphs over dirty diapers, mismatches shoes, remembering to wear a bra. I’m on a mission to sneak a shot of every smooch, every giggle, every moment of joy that my families allow me to see when I’m with them. Because these are the little things that are so easy to forget. I have been photographing mothers and the ones they love for almost ten years and believe I am finally settling into my happy place.

Charissa and Matt, thank you for stepping in front of my camera again and welcoming me into your home. Your teamwork has produced some amazing little humans and I’m lucky to have y’all in my life.

(I tried something new with my blogging format, to try to break up the huge walls of images. If you want to see any of the images in the grids fully, just click on an image and exit out, or scroll through to see the others!)

Matt and Charissa chose to purchase my second package that I offer in my shop. It allows lots of time for me to get to know a family and shoot in several locations, and yields an heirloom box of the most amazing prints you’ve ever held. If you are looking to have your family photographed this fall, please visit my shop or email me at hello@maeburke.com to book your time with me.